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Rashmi is a human resource manager who is known for her tact, negotiation skills and ability to pacify people. As a peacemaker, employees often approach her to resolve their conflicts.
She has noticed that of late the number of complaints has been increasing steadily. So, she establishes a ‘Safe Space’ forum where employees can post their queries, concerns and complaints anonymously. Someone from her team then responds to the complaints.
With this simple measure, Rashi managed to curtail the number of conflicts in her organization, providing a healing space where her coworkers could let off steam.
Rashmi’s approach to navigating conflicts in the workplace is a good example of taking initiative. Not only did she solve a problem, but also established her credibility.
What Does It Mean To Take Initiative?
Taking initiative and being proactive means to go above and beyond what is expected of you. You don’t just do what you were hired for, but proactively take on more. Many organizations expect you to take the lead on a project or take charge of a situation when called for.
Let’s look at how you can be proactive at work—and in life—to achieve your goals and distinguish yourself.
How To Be Proactive
In a competitive world, you need to look out for yourself. You can’t expect someone else to get you out of a pickle—you have to take matters into your own hands. Being proactive will help you take charge of your life, make the right decisions and become a high-performer.
Here are some ways to be proactive and take initiative:
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Take Ownership Of Your Decisions
Standing by your decisions shows that you are serious about your work and are willing to take responsibility for your actions. Being accountable in the workplace is a critical skill, especially if you work in a team. If you want to take initiative, you should be ready to accept the outcome. It’s one thing to be proactive but another to jump ship when things aren’t going your way. So, stick to your words and decisions.
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Set Your Goals
Having clearly defined goals helps you move from one process to the next. Taking initiative stems from good decision-making and good planning. You can only be proactive when you know what you’re doing. Goal-setting is an effective strategy for personal and professional success. Not only do you understand where your strengths lie but also identify your areas of weakness, so you can improve on them.
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Learn To Prioritize
Good time management will help you take initiative and seek new opportunities in the workplace. If you want to be proactive, you must focus on how you spend your day. Prioritizing and planning will help you use your day well. Do things that add value to your life. They will boost your confidence and will you to be the best version of yourself. Prioritize your tasks to be proactive and avoid backlogs or delays.
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Build Interpersonal Skills
In the workplace, you must focus on refining your interpersonal skills. Being proactive is also about building constructive relationships at work. A team is as good as its synergy. If you get along with your team members and can lean on each other from time to time, you will be better equipped to achieve organizational goals. Instead of trying to do everything yourself, rely on others and lend a helping hand whenever you can. Your coworkers will recognize you as a valuable team member.
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Be Consistent
Consistency means to never give up on your goals even when you are faced with setbacks or failures. You will face many challenges during the course of your life, but you will shine the brightest when you can move past them. Overcoming setbacks will help you persevere against all odds. Do what it takes to realize your ambitions and step out of your comfort zone.
Being proactive is an excellent way to perform well at work. Understanding how to be proactive in life will prove helpful when you are setting your goals. Building lasting, meaningful relationships at work will provide you the boost you need to go after what you deserve. Harappa’s Navigating Workplaces course will teach you how to carve a niche for yourself at work. Learn more about how to understand your office culture, navigate conflicts and handle different styles of work to put your best foot forward.
Explore topics such as Ways to Develop Good Interpersonal Relationships, Phases of Interpersonal Relationships, Easy Ways to Boost Your Career, What is Accountability & Difference Between Accountability and Responsibility from Harappa Diaries to boost your productivity at work.
